Richard E. Dreher, Captain, USAF (KIA)
10 January 1942 – 27 March 1972

He was a Vietnam War Era casualty on March 27, 1972. 

★ He served with honor in the United States Air Force with the 40th ARRS. 

★ Remembered by the people of Ohio 

★ May his example inspire us to be strong and responsible global citizens. We can do great things. Together.

Richard E Dreher was born on January 10, 1942. According to our records Ohio was his home or enlistment state and Wayne County included within the archival record. We have Orrville listed as the city.

He had enlisted in the Air Force. Entered via Regular Military. Served during the Vietnam War. He had the rank of Captain. Served with 7th Air Force, 40th Arrs.

Dreher was reported missing and ultimately declared dead on March 27, 1972. Recorded circumstances attributed to: “Hostile Died While Missing, Air Loss Crash, Land, Helicopter, Pilot, Body not recovered”. Incident location: Cambodia.

Captain Dreher was a member of the 40th Air Rescue and Recovery Squadron, Nakhon Phanom Airfield, Thailand. On March 27, 1972, he was the co-pilot of a Siskorsky Sea Stallion Search and Rescue Helicopter (HH-53C) on a search and rescue mission near Siempang, Stoeng Treng Province, Cambodia, when the aircraft crashed. His remains were not recovered.

Richard E Dreher is buried or memorialized at Courts of the Missing at the Honolulu Memorial. This is an American Battle Monuments Commission location.

Richard is honored on the Vietnam Veteran’s Memorial in Washington DC. Name inscribed at VVM Wall, Panel 02w, Line 119.

COMMENDATIONS

★ Purple Heart★ National Defense Service Medal★ Vietnam Campaign Medal★ Vietnam Service Medal★ Air Force Presidential Unit Citation★ Vietnam Gallantry Cross★ Air Force Good Conduct Medal